ASUS TUF Z790-PLUS WIFI: BIOS update, EZ Flash and Intel ME

Choose the correct board and release

Read the full name printed on the motherboard. This guide covers TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI, without D4, II, PRO or BTF in the name. A similar product page is not a safe source of firmware.

Open the official BIOS download source below. Record the installed BIOS version from UEFI or Windows System Information before choosing a release. If the purpose is a processor upgrade, check that processor's entry in the CPU support list too.

Do not choose a file solely because it is the first download. On 29 October 2026, ASUS listed 1840 as beta, while 1836 had no beta label. These are a dated example of how to read the list, not a permanent recommendation. Check the current labels and whether the release addresses your actual requirement.

Read the Intel ME note before updating

The 1836 release notes say the update also changes Intel Management Engine firmware to 16.1.40.2765. They also say that rolling back the BIOS does not roll back that ME update.

This matters if you expect an older BIOS file to restore the whole firmware state. Record both versions when troubleshooting, and follow any prerequisites attached to the particular release. A Windows ME driver and ME firmware are different parts of the system; installing a driver is not proof that the firmware step happened.

Prepare the existing system and USB drive

Back up important files, record boot and storage settings, and keep the BitLocker recovery key accessible away from the PC. If BitLocker is enabled, follow Microsoft's suspend-and-resume guidance for this firmware update. Do not clear the TPM as a preparation shortcut.

Use a USB drive whose contents are backed up. The manual specifies one FAT16 or FAT32 partition for EZ Flash. Formatting removes existing files. Extract the downloaded archive and put the correct BIOS file on the drive; retain the release notes so you can check any updated instructions.

Run EZ Flash from UEFI

On a system that can enter UEFI, open Advanced Mode, then Tool, then ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility. Select the USB drive and BIOS file, and check the board identity shown before confirming the update. Follow the on-screen instructions without cutting power, resetting the PC or removing the drive.

The manual discusses loading optimized defaults for stability. Preserve your configuration first and review the required boot and storage settings before returning to Windows.

If the file is rejected or the PC cannot start

A rejected file is a reason to recheck the model and archive, not to force the update. The manual separately describes CrashFree BIOS 3 recovery. That procedure is not the same as pressing a CPU-less USB FlashBack button on another model.

If the PC cannot enter UEFI, consult this board's recovery instructions and ASUS support before choosing a different flashing method. After a successful update, verify the installed BIOS version, required settings and BitLocker protection status.